Method and system for providing alternate network access

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for configuring communication at a premises are described. A network device at a premises may be in communication with a first network and a second network. The network device may receive data from a security system and a communication device located at the premises. The network device may transmit the data via the first network or the second network based on configuration data, which may be received from a remote server located external to the premise.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/222,416 filed Jul. 28, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/725,607 filed Dec. 21, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.9,510,065, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/738,862 filed Apr. 23, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,451,986.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications, andmore particularly relates to a mechanism for automatically decoupling abuilding's telephone wiring from a public switched telephone network inorder to provide broadband or cellular telephone access.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Security systems alert occupants of a dwelling and emergency authoritiesof a violation of premises secured by the security system. A typicalsecurity system includes a controller connected by wireless or wiredconnections to sensors deployed at various locations throughout thesecured dwelling. In a home, sensors are usually deployed in doorways,windows, and other points of entry. For example, motion sensors can beplaced strategically within the home to detect unauthorized movement,while smoke and heat sensors can detect the presence of fire.

Security systems are usually connected to a central monitoring servicesystem via a telecommunications line coupled to a public switchedtelephone network (PSTN). The central monitoring service system can bemaintained by a security service provider and continuously monitors allactivated subscriber security systems for alarms. Sensor activity occurswhen a sensor detects, for example, an opening of a door or window, orpresence of movement, or a fire. Sensor activity causes the sensor tosend a signal to the controller of the security system. Responsive toreceiving the signal, the controller can determine whether the signalrepresents an alarm condition and, if so, issue an audible alarm toalert the occupants of the dwelling and can originate a datatransmission to the central monitoring service system via thetelecommunications line. Upon receiving notification of an alarm, thecentral monitoring service system can determine the type of activity,attempt to contact the dwelling occupants, and alert appropriateauthorities of an emergency situation.

Typically, the telecommunications line interconnecting the securitysystem to the central monitoring service system is the dwellingoccupant's telephone line. This line usually emanates and is accessiblefrom the exterior of the dwelling. It is this telecommunications linewhich delivers a security breach signal to the central monitoringservice system via a PSTN.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a typical connectionbetween a PSTN and a security system. Building 100 is coupled to PSTN110 via a network interface device (NID) 120. Typically, NID 120 demarcsthe hardware associated with PSTN 110 and the hardware (e.g., buildingwiring) associated with building 110. When building 100 has a securitysystem, or is configured to accommodate a security system, NID 120 iscoupled via building wiring (e.g., twisted pair) to an RJ31X jack 130.The RJ31X jack is typically inserted between an NID and the firsttelephone jack within a building. An alarm controller unit 140 for asecurity system can be coupled to the building wiring via RJ31X jack130. As will be discussed more fully below, this permits a securitysystem to disconnect phones in the building (e.g., coupled to telephonejacks 150-180) in order to transmit an alarm signal to a centralmonitoring service system via PSTN 110. An RJ31X jack also allows abuilding's phone system to behave normally if a security system is notconnected to the RJ31X jack.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example of atypical voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) connection to a building'stelephone wiring. Building 100 is still configured to be coupled to PSTN110 via NID 120 which is then coupled to RJ31X jack 130. RJ31X jack 130has connections to both an alarm controller unit 140 and a set ofconnected phone jacks 150-180 (e.g., in a daisy-chain configuration).FIG. 2 illustrates that a telephone jack 180 is further coupled to ananalog telephone adapter (ATA) 210. ATA 210 converts telephone analogsignals to digital signals that can be transmitted on a broadbandnetwork (e.g., Internet 230). ATA 210 is coupled to a broadband modem220 (e.g., a cable modem or DSL modem) which is further coupled to awide area network such as Internet 230. In order for a properinstallation of VOIP telecommunications, building 110 should bedisconnected from PSTN 110 in order to avoid, for example, impropervoltages associated with VOIP from being transmitted onto PSTN 110.Disconnecting is typically performed at NID 120 by manuallydisconnecting a linkage between PSTN 110 and the building wiring at ademarc point within NID 120. One drawback of a typical VOIP connectionis that severing the connection between building 100 and PSTN 110typically requires a service visit by a representative of the providerof PSTN 110 to perform the disconnection.

Another drawback of a VOIP connection such as that illustrated in FIG. 2is alarm controller unit 140 cannot perform the task of disconnectingthe home phones prior to sending out an alarm signal. This is becausethe security system is no longer between the building telephone wiringand the external telecommunications network. A further disadvantage ofusing a legacy security system in a VOIP environment is that suchsecurity systems are typically unreliable in a VOIP environment. VOIPdata compression as well as multiple analog-to-digital anddigital-to-analog conversions typically involved in VOIP transmissioncan distort alarm signals sent by a security system, thereby making themunusable by the central monitoring service system.

It is therefore desirable to provide a solution in which a legacysecurity system can function in a VOIP environment without loss of data.It is further desirable to provide a mechanism by which a switch overfrom PSTN-based telecommunications to an alternative technology-basedtelecommunication (e.g., broadband or cellular) can be provided withouthaving a person manually disconnect a building from a PSTN by severing aconnection within an NID.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a typical connectionbetween a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a buildingsecurity system.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example of atypical voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) connection to a building'stelephone wiring.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example of typicaltelecommunications connections between an RJ31X jack and an alarmcontroller unit for a legacy security system.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a communications unitconfigured to provide alternate network connectivity in accord withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of components of an alarm systemcontroller unit coupled to a communications unit in accord withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating an example of a processfor configuring a communications unit to provide alternativetelecommunication modes in accord with embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a communications unit thatcan be coupled to a building's telecommunication wiring to provide anautomated mechanism for isolating the building's wiring from a PSTN,while also providing a telecommunications connection to an alternativecommunications network via, for example, broadband or cellular networks.Embodiments of the present invention can be configured to be coupledwith an alarm controller unit of a legacy security system, therebypermitting the legacy security system to communicate with a remoteserver system without loss of alarm data. Embodiments of the inventionwill also permit the legacy security system to provide normal disconnectfunctionality of building telephones from an outgoing telecommunicationsline while an alarm condition is present.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating some of thetelecommunications connections between an RJ31X jack 130 and an alarmcontroller unit for a legacy security system 140. As discussed above,RJ31X jack 130 is coupled to building wiring between a PSTN and thetelephone jacks within the building. As illustrated in FIG. 3, Line (a)is coupled through RJ31X jack to the PSTN (via an NID), while Line (b)is coupled through the RJ31X jack to the building telephone jacks. If nosecurity system were present, the RJ31X jack would short Lines (a) and(b) together thereby allowing the building telephone wiring tocommunicate with the PSTN.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, Lines (a) and (b) enter alarm controller unit140 and are coupled to an automated switch 310. Automated switch 310 iscontrolled by alarm processor 320. Alarm processor 320 is also connectedvia Line (a) to the PSTN. When no alarm is present, alarm processor 320places switch 310 in a closed state, thereby allowing normaltelecommunications operations between the building telephone wiring andthe PSTN. During an alarm condition, alarm processor 320 sets switch 310in an open state, thereby disconnecting any telephones connected to thebuilding phone jacks from the PSTN. Such a disconnection prevents anintruder in the building from stopping an alarm dial out by raising ahandset on a phone. Once switch 310 is placed in an open state, alarmprocessor 320 can dial out an alarm signal on Line (a) to a centralmonitoring service system coupled to the PSTN.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a communications unit400 configured to provide alternate network connectivity in accord withembodiments of the present invention. Lines (a) and (b) are providedfrom RJ31X jack 130 to communications unit 400. Line (a) is connectedthrough RJ31X jack 130 to a PSTN, while Line (b) is connected throughthe RJ31X jack to building telephone wiring. Lines (a) and (b) arecoupled to a switch 410 which is controlled by CommunicationProcessor/ATA 430. Line (b) is also coupled to a switch 420, which isalso controlled by Communication Processor/ATA 430. Line (c) is coupledto both switch 420 and switch 310 in alarm controller unit 140(discussed above with regard to FIG. 3). Thus, Line (c) in FIG. 4corresponds to Line (b) illustrated in FIG. 3 with regard to switch 310.As with FIG. 3, switch 310 is controlled by alarm processor 320. Theother pole of switch 310 is coupled via Line (d) to CommunicationProcessor/ATA 430. Thus, Line (d) in FIG. 4 corresponds to Line (a) ofFIG. 3 and Communication Processor/ATA 430 can be configured to provideresponses to alarm processor 320 that would be expected from the PSTNover Line (d).

Communication Processor/ATA 430 can be configured to provide a pluralityof outbound communication modes. As illustrated, CommunicationProcessor/ATA 430 is coupled to Line (a) to enable provision of anoutgoing PSTN connection. Communication Processor/ATA 430 is furthercoupled to a network interface 440, which enables provision of a two-waycommunication to a broadband network. For example, network interface 440can be an Ethernet interface which is further coupled to a broadbandmodem (not shown). Alternatively, network interface 440 can be abroadband modem itself, which is then coupled to a broadband connectionleaving the building. Communication Processor/ATA 430 can be furtherconnected to a cellular interface 450 for communication to a privatecellular network (not shown) that can ultimately give a connection to anexternal network (also not shown). As will be discussed below, use of abroadband connection or a cellular connection can provide an alarmsignal to a remote server system coupled to an external network, such asthe Internet.

Switches 410 and 420 are configured to be placed in an opened or closedstate depending upon the desired communications mode. For example, ifthe building's telephone system is to be connected to the PSTN, thenswitch 410 is placed in a closed state by Communication Processor/ATA430, while switch 420 is placed in an open state. Even though nocommunication signal is provided over Line (c) to alarm controller unit140, the legacy security system continues to function in response to analarm condition as previously discussed. That is, switch 310 is held ina closed state until an alarm condition is detected by alarm processor320. Upon detection of an alarm condition, switch 310 is placed in anopen state and alarm processor 320 transmits an alarm signal along Line(d) to Communication Processor/ATA 430, which can respond to the alarmprocessor in a manner that simulates an expected response from the PSTN.As discussed more completely below, Communication Processor/ATA 430 caninterpret the alarm signal and in turn transmit the alarm signal on aselected communication path.

If the selected communication path is PSTN, then CommunicationProcessor/ATA 430 can place switch 410 in an open state and transmit thealarm signal along Line (a) to the PSTN in a manner similar to that ofthe alarm controller unit 140. If the selected communication mode isbroadband, then Communication Processor/ATA 430 can interpret the alarmsignal and transmit an appropriate data stream through network interface440 to a remote server system coupled to the broadband network.Similarly, Communication Processor/ATA 430 can transmit an appropriatelyformatted data stream to a cellular network via cell interface 450. Ineither the broadband or cellular configuration, switch 410 does not needto be opened because use of the building phone system will have noaffect on outgoing communication.

Communications unit 400 can also be configured to provide alternatenetwork access for building telephones, such as VOIP or cellulartelephone. Again, configuration of switches 410 and 420 provides thisaccess. For a VOIP/cellular telephone configuration, switch 410 isplaced in an open state by Communication Processor/ATA 430. By openingswitch 410, this effectively isolates the building telephone wiring(coupled via Line (b)) from the PSTN (coupled via Line (a)). Inaddition, switch 420 is placed in a closed state by CommunicationProcessor/ATA 430. Thus, signals from telecommunication devices coupledto building telephone jacks arrive at communications unit 400 throughLine (b), pass through switch 420, continue along Line (c) to alarmcontroller unit 140, pass through switch 310 (which is held in a closedstate when no alarm is present) and are provided to CommunicationProcessor/ATA 430 via Line (d). Communication Processor/ATA 430 can thenprocess the analog telephone signals (e.g., in a manner standard forVOIP) in preparation to be transmitted to the broadband network coupledto network interface 440. Alternatively, Communication Processor/ATA 430can process the analog signals received on Line (d) in a mannerappropriate for transmission via cellular interface 450, if cellulartelephone connectivity is desired.

In the configuration allowing alternate telecommunications networkaccess discussed above, upon detection of an alarm condition by alarmcontroller unit 140, alarm processor 320 places switch 310 in an openstate, thereby disconnecting the building telephones, and then transmitsalarm condition information on Line (d) to Communication Processor/ATA430, which will then transmit the alarm information along the selectedcommunication path. It should be noted, that because the PSTN does notneed to be disconnected at the NID, if PSTN service is still otherwiseavailable, then Communication Processor/ATA 430 can transmit alarminformation out along Line (a) to a central monitoring service systemover the PSTN, while still being configured to provide alternate networkaccess for telecommunications from the building phone system. By holdingswitch 410 in an open state, communications unit 400 isolates thebuilding telephone wiring from the PSTN.

As will be discussed with regard to an embodiment below, communicationsunit 400 can be configured to be in communication with a remote serversystem over an external network. This communication mode isbidirectional, thereby allowing control information to be provided tothe communications unit and any security system coupled to thecommunications unit. Control information can be sent by the remoteserver system to the communications unit 400 directing CommunicationProcessor/ATA 430 to operate in a selected mode (i.e., PSTN, VOIP, andcellular telephone). Thus, a user of communications unit 400 can contacta provider of the remote server system and request, for example, VOIPservice to be activated on communications unit 400. A signal can then besent by the remote server system instructing the communications unit toconfigure switches 410 and 420 in a manner appropriate to the selectedmode and all configuration necessary for that mode is provided withoutfurther user interaction.

It should be noted that such reconfiguration of a building phone systembetween one of a variety of modes can be done much more efficiently thantraditional methods. This is due, in part, to disconnection andreconnection to the PSTN not requiring manual disconnection of circuitsat the NID.

It should further be noted that while the above discussion illustrates aconnection to alarm controller unit 140, no security system is necessaryto the alternate network access provision of the present invention.Lines (c) and (d) can, for example, be shorted together to provide acircuit between switch 420 and Communication Processor/ATA 430. In sucha configuration, Communication Processor/ATA 430 can provide just theswitch configuration control and any necessary data conversion betweenthe analog signal from the building telephone system to the chosenexternal network.

Example Embodiment of Communications Unit

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of components of a legacy alarmsystem coupled to a communications unit in accord with embodiments ofthe present invention. Alarm controller unit 505 includes an alarmprocessor 510 (e.g., a microprocessor) coupled to sensors 515(1)-(N).Alarm processor 510 is coupled via keypad bus 525 to keypad processor535 within keypad 530. Keypad 530 includes keys 540 through whichcontrol codes can be entered to alarm processor 510. Communications unit545 provides a communications processor 550 that is coupled to alarmprocessor 510 and keypad processor 535 via keypad bus 525. Thus,communications processor 550 can exchange data with alarm processor 510using a serial digital protocol of keypad bus 525. Communicationsprocessor 550 can be configured to automatically determine the type ofserial digital protocol being used in communications between alarmprocessor 510 and keypad processor 535 as part of an initialconfiguration of communications unit 545 upon being coupled to thekeypad bus.

Communications processor 550 is also coupled to alarm controller unit505 via telecommunications link 555, which is coupled to the outgoingport of telephone line interface 520. Telecommunications link 555corresponds to Line (d) of FIG. 4, wherein switch 310 of FIG. 4 isembodied within telephone line interface 520. Communications processor550 is further coupled to PSTN 560 by telecommunications link 563.Telecommunications link 563 corresponds to Line (a) of FIG. 4, whereincommunications processor 550 corresponds to Communications Processor/ATA430 of FIG. 4. Communications processor 550 then serves as anintermediary between alarm controller unit 505 and PSTN 560. It isthrough this link that communications processor 550 can providecommunication from alarm controller unit 505 to a remote server system565 via the PSTN, should that be a selected communication mode (asdescribed below).

Remote server system 565 can be a network-coupled computer system thatprovides, in part, responsive communication to information received fromcommunications unit 545. Such responsive communication can be providedto, for example, the user of the alarm system (e.g., a homeowner) or toemergency responders to alarm conditions. Remote server system 565 canalso provide communication to communications unit 545, including, forexample, updates and configuration information such astelecommunications configuration information discussed above withrespect to FIG. 4.

Communications processor 550 can also be coupled to a cellular interface570 that can provide cellular transmission to a cell tower 575 that isalso coupled, directly or indirectly, to a private cellular network 580,which is further coupled to a network 585. Through this link,communications processor 550 can provide a cellular transmissioncommunication mode to server system 565, which is also coupled tonetwork 585, or cellular telephone connectivity as discussed above withrespect to FIG. 4.

Communications processor 550 can also be coupled to a network interface590. Network interface 590 can provide a broadband connection to network585 (e.g., the Internet), which is also coupled to server system 565.Through network interface 590, communications processor 550 can providea broadband communications mode to server system 565, or VOIP-typetelecommunications for building telephone systems.

In alternate embodiments of communications unit 545, communicationsprocessor 550 can be coupled to other communication interfaces that canprovide wireless broadband, and the like.

Communications processor 550 can monitor all of the availablecommunication modes to determine which communication mode is the bestfor transmitting security system data to and from server system 565 atany point in time. For example, the communications processor, throughnetwork interface 590, can monitor whether there is an active connectionto network 585. Such monitoring can be performed by, for example, byperiodically establishing, or attempting to establish, a connection withserver system 565 and monitoring a heartbeat signal. Alternatively, thecommunications processor can determine availability and viability of anetwork connection to the server system using, for example, network echopackets (e.g., pinging). Similarly, through cellular interface 570,communications processor 550 can periodically establish, or attempt toestablish, a connection with server system 565 through private cellularnetwork 580 and network 585. With regard to connections via PSTN 560,the communications processor can, for example, determine whether thereis an appropriate voltage over the telecommunications link 563 from thePSTN. In an event of a voltage drop on telecommunications link 563, thecommunications processor can interpret such a drop as an event thatneeds to be communicated to the remote server (over either the broadbandor cellular connection).

As the communications processor determines the best communication modefor security system information, that mode is then used forcommunication between communication unit 545 and server system 565 untila determination is made that an alternate communication mode is moreappropriate. Alternatively, the communications processor can beconfigured to give primary preference to a particular communicationsmode (e.g., broadband), and then secondary preference to a differentcommunications mode (e.g., cellular), and so on. In such a case, thecommunications processor will use the primary communications mode fortransmitting and receiving security system information unless thatcommunications mode is unavailable and then switch to a secondary (orlower) communications mode, depending upon availability of that mode.

As stated above, communications processor 550 and alarm controller unit505 are coupled over telecommunications link 555 in order for thecommunications processor to function as an intermediary between thealarm controller unit and PSTN 560. In a legacy system, when alarmprocessor 510 detects an alarm situation, alarm processor 510 instructstelephone line interface 520 to dial out over PSTN 560 to communicatewith the central monitoring service system. As discussed above, atsubstantially the same time, alarm processor 510 also instructs thetelephone line interface to disconnect building telephones from the line(e.g., by setting switch 310 to an open state). Communications processor550 can simulate the phone service and the central monitoring system andinterpret the alarm signals provided by alarm processor 510. Alarmprocessor 510 provides such communication using, for example, aContactID format. Communications processor 550 can read the datasupplied by alarm processor 510 over the telecommunications link,interpret that data, and transmit an appropriate signal over the chosencommunication mode to server system 565.

Communications processor 550 can also interpret signals provided byalarm processor 510 over keypad bus 525, and provide that information toserver system 565 over the chosen communication mode. As stated above,such information can include arm/disarm indicators, zone tripinformation, system trouble (e.g., low battery, clock reset, no power),and the like.

Communications processor 550 can also receive information provided byserver system 565 over a communication mode selected by the serversystem. Communications processor 550 can interpret that receivedinformation and format the information for the appropriate serialdigital protocol of keypad bus 525. Communications processor 550 canthen provide the information to alarm processor 570 over keypad bus 525.Through such communication, communications processor 550 emulates keypadcommunication to alarm processor 510. Thus, there is no need toreprogram the legacy alarm system to allow the legacy alarm system to becontrolled through communication unit 545.

Example Configuration Process

FIG. 6 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating an example of a processfor configuring a communications unit (e.g., 400) in accord withembodiments of the present invention. A communications unit receivesconfiguration data (610), for example, from a remote server system. Thecommunications unit can then determine whether the configurationrequires outgoing telecommunication via PSTN (620). If the configurationis for PSTN-based communication, then the communications unit couplesthe PSTN to the building telephone wiring (630). As discussed above,such a coupling can be accomplished, for example by placing switch 410in a closed state. Analog signals received from the building telephonewiring can then be provided to the PSTN (640).

If the outgoing telecommunications are not to be provided by a PSTN,then the communications unit can isolate the PSTN from the buildingtelephone wiring (650). Such isolation of the PSTN can be performedautomatically by placing, for example, switch 410 in an open state asillustrated and discussed above with regard to FIG. 4. Isolation of thePSTN from the building wiring in this manner prevents signals andvoltages from the building wiring to enter the PSTN network.

The configuration data is then reviewed to determine whether outgoingcommunication is to be via VOIP (660). If VOIP is the chosen outgoingcommunication method, then analog signals received from the buildingtelephone wiring are provided to an ATA for conversion to digitalsignals (670). In communication unit 400 illustrated above, the ATA isintegral with Communications Processor/ATA 430. The digital signals arethen provided to a network interface for transmission over a broadbandconnection (680). If the outgoing communication is not by VOIP, then theanalog signals can be provided to a cellular interface for conversionand transmission over a cellular network (690).

Any configuration of a communications unit for a particular outgoingtelecommunications mode can remain in place until a new set ofconfiguration data is received by the communications unit indicatingthat a different telecommunications mode should be provided.Configuration information can be stored, for example, in a nonvolatilememory coupled to Communication Processor/ATA 430. In addition, althoughthe above figures and discussion provides PSTN, VOIP, and cellular asalternate telecommunications modes, it should be recognized that thesemodes are provided as examples and that embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited to providing just the three telecommunicationsmodes discussed above. Various types of analog signal conversionmechanisms can be provided to a communications unit 400 and either beintegrated with a Communication Processor/ATA 430 or coupled thereto.

Other Embodiments

The present invention is well adapted to attain the advantages mentionedas well as others inherent therein. While the present invention has beendepicted, described, and is defined by reference to particularembodiments of the present invention, such references do not imply alimitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred.The invention is capable of considerable modification, alteration, andequivalents in form and function as will occur to those ordinarilyskilled in the pertinent arts. The depicted and described embodimentsare examples only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the invention.

The foregoing describes embodiments including components containedwithin other components (e.g., the various elements shown as componentsof communications unit 210). Such architectures are merely examples,and, in fact, many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In an abstract but still definite sense, anyarrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two componentsso associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected” or“operably coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various examples of thepresent invention via the use of block diagrams, flow charts, andexamples. It will be understood by those within the art that each blockdiagram component, flow chart step, operation and/or componentillustrated by the use of examples can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof.

The above description is intended to be illustrative of the inventionand should not be taken to be limiting. Other embodiments within thescope of the present invention are possible. Those skilled in the artwill readily implement the steps necessary to provide the structures andthe methods disclosed herein, and will understand that the processparameters and sequence of steps are given by way of example only andcan be varied to achieve the desired structure as well as modificationsthat are within the scope of the invention. Variations and modificationsof the embodiments disclosed herein can be made based on the descriptionset forth herein, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Consequently, the invention is intended to be limited only by the scopeof the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalence in allrespects.

Although the present invention has been described in connection withseveral embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to thespecific forms set forth herein. On the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can bereasonably included within the scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a networkdevice located at a premises and from a computing device, configurationdata associated with a communication configuration of the networkdevice, wherein the network device is in communication with a firstnetwork and a second network different from the first network;receiving, by the network device and from a security system located atthe premises, security data; receiving, by the network device and from acommunication device located at the premises, communication data for aremote device external to the premises; determining, based on at leastthe configuration data, to use the first network to send one or more ofthe security data or the communication data; and sending, via the firstnetwork and based on at least the determination to use the firstnetwork, the one or more of the security data or the communication data.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration data comprises aninstruction to prioritize using the first network above using the secondnetwork to send one or more of the security data or the communicationdata.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first network comprises apacket-switched network and the second network comprises a publicswitched telephone network.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstnetwork comprises a public switched telephone network and the secondnetwork comprises a packet-switched network.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the sending, via the first network, the one or more of thesecurity data or the communication data comprises sending, via the firstnetwork the security data and the communication data.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the sending, via the first network, the one or more ofthe security data or the communication data comprises sending, via thefirst network, the security data, and further comprising sending, viathe second network, the communication data.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising determining a network condition of one or more of thefirst network or the second network, wherein determining the firstnetwork is based on the network condition.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the network condition comprises a connection state.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the security system comprises a plurality ofsensors and a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors.10. The method of claim 9, wherein the security data comprises sensordata from the plurality of sensors.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinthe computing device comprises a remote server located external to thepremises.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication devicecomprises an audio communication device, and wherein the communicationsdata comprises audio data.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein thecommunication device comprises a video communication device, and whereinthe communications data comprises video data.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein the configuration data is received based on a determination toenable a communication service for the premises.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the communication service comprises a voice over internetprotocol service.
 16. A system comprising a security system located at apremises; a communication device located at the premises; and a networkdevice located at the premises and in communication with the securitysystem and the communication device, wherein the network device isconfigured to: receive, from a computing device, configuration dataassociated with a communication configuration of the network device,wherein the network device is in communication with a first network anda second network different from the first network; receive, from thesecurity system, security data; receive, from the communication device,communication data for a remote device external to the premises;determine, based on at least the configuration data, to use the firstnetwork to send one or more of the security data or the communicationdata; and send, via the first network and based on at least thedetermination to use the first network, the one or more of the securitydata or the communication data.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein theconfiguration data comprises an instruction to prioritize using thefirst network above using the second network to send one or more of thesecurity data or the communication data.
 18. The system of claim 16,wherein the first network comprises a packet-switched network and thesecond network comprises a public switched telephone network.
 19. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the first network comprises a publicswitched telephone network and the second network comprises apacket-switched network.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the networkdevice being configured to send, via the first network, the one or moreof the security data or the communication data comprises the networkdevice being configured to send, via the first network the security dataand the communication data.
 21. The system of claim 16, wherein thenetwork device being configured to send, via the first network, the oneor more of the security data or the communication data comprises thenetwork device being configured to send, via the first network, thesecurity data, and wherein the network device is further configured tosend, via the second network, the communication data.
 22. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the network device is further configured to determinea network condition of one or more of the first network or the secondnetwork, wherein the first network is determined based on the networkcondition.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the network conditioncomprises a connection state.
 24. The system of claim 16, wherein thesecurity system comprises a plurality of sensors and a controller incommunication with the plurality of sensors.
 25. The system of claim 24,wherein the security data comprises sensor data from the plurality ofsensors.
 26. The system of claim 16, wherein the computing devicecomprises a remote server located external to the premises.
 27. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the communication device comprises an audiocommunication device, and wherein the communications data comprisesaudio data.
 28. The system of claim 16, wherein the communication devicecomprises a video communication device, and wherein the communicationsdata comprises video data.
 29. The system of claim 16, wherein theconfiguration data is received based on a determination to enable acommunication service for the premises.
 30. A device comprising: one ormore processors; and memory storing instructions that, when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the device to: receive, from acomputing device, configuration data associated with a communicationconfiguration of the device, wherein the device is in communication witha first network and a second network different from the first network;receive, from a security system located at a premises, security data;receive, from a communication device located at the premises,communication data for a remote device external to the premises;determine, based on at least the configuration data, to use the firstnetwork to send one or more of the security data or the communicationdata; and send, via the first network and based on at least thedetermination to use the first network, the one or more of the securitydata or the communication data.
 31. The device of claim 30, wherein theconfiguration data comprises an instruction to prioritize using thefirst network above using the second network to send one or more of thesecurity data or the communication data.
 32. The device of claim 30,wherein the first network comprises a packet-switched network and thesecond network comprises a public switched telephone network.
 33. Thedevice of claim 30, wherein the first network comprises a publicswitched telephone network and the second network comprises apacket-switched network.
 34. The device of claim 30, wherein theinstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe device to send, via the first network, the one or more of thesecurity data or the communication data comprise instructions that, whenexecuted by the one or more processors, cause the device to send, viathe first network the security data and the communication data.
 35. Thedevice of claim 30, wherein the instructions, when executed by the oneor more processors, further cause the device to determine a networkcondition of one or more of the first network or the second network,wherein the first network is determined based on the network condition.36. The device of claim 35, wherein the network condition comprises aconnection state.
 37. The device of claim 30, wherein the securitysystem comprises a plurality of sensors and a controller incommunication with the plurality of sensors.
 38. The device of claim 37,wherein the security data comprises sensor data from the plurality ofsensors.
 39. The device of claim 30, wherein the computing devicecomprises a remote server located external to the premises.
 40. Thedevice of claim 30, wherein the communication device comprises an audiocommunication device, and wherein the communications data comprisesaudio data.
 41. The device of claim 30, wherein the communication devicecomprises a video communication device, and wherein the communicationsdata comprises video data.
 42. The device of claim 30, wherein theconfiguration data is received based on a determination to enable acommunication service for the premises.